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Category Archives: Exhibition

For hundreds of years businesses have been creating and attending exhibitions because they are one of the best ways to showcase products to consumers or the trades. Exhibitions let businesses talk to customers directly and provide an opportunity to check out what the competition is doing. Think of the World Fairs and Exhibitions of the 1800s, which started with the Crystal Palace Exhibition in London, and you get a sense of their importance.

It used to be that only larger corporations could afford to attend an exhibition but, with the development of materials and the portability of display stands, the market has opened up even more, making it feasible for small businesses to attend and make a success of an event.

A look at the exhibition industry

Over time the biggest change has been around the need to immerse the consumer in “the experience of your brand” and this is one reason we need a fresh approach in the industry. Take the theatre for a second – every good actor has an army of talent behind them, from designing and building the set, operating the AV, painting the backdrops and working the front of house. These people could get paid more in other industries but they choose to work in the theatre because they love it, it’s their passion and it gets them excited!

For most businesses these days, their exhibition stand is a mini piece of theatre. And the whole exhibition is the stage. There are some clear parallels to the theatre which should not be ignored, such as design and build, lighting and front of house, but no-one seems to be selling the sizzle! Why?

Our biggest obstacle is perception.

Truth be told, it all comes down to perception. The exhibition and display industry is simply not seen as a sexy industry to work in. It’s not seen as a single business in the same way as film, theatre and music. Even though many young people attend music events and festivals these are considered to be in the music industry not the event industry.

The need to get young blood into the industry.

We only have to look at how much has changed in the last decade with technology to see how it affects the industry. The new products and materials that are being introduced to the industry enable designers to really think outside the box. This gives them the opportunity to design and build a solution that not only attracts but gives consumers an experience or enables them to see something they may never have seen before.

This opportunity to build a ‘make believe world’ is not something that happens in every industry and it’s one that should be talked up and promoted. We must engage people on a stand in the same way that someone is engaged during a show or concert.

The exhibition industry provides so many different career paths for young people, whether it’s specialising in a particular area or learning about the industry as a whole. There are so many opportunities including designing the overall concept, the design and build, the use of technology such as VR, the consumer experience, lighting or the actual running of an exhibition. All of these areas are exciting and sexy but if we don’t make our industry more glamorous and desirable soon then we are in grave danger of being left behind.

If you are interested in learning more or pursuing a career in the event and exhibition industry, then we are always looking for good candidates. Please contact us at Displays 2 Go, we would love to have a coffee and a chat!

Inflatable displays are becoming a more common sight at trade shows, sporting events and road shows. Event organisers love all their benefits, but most of all they love the convenience. Inflatable display materials make life easier!

No need to stress over how much time you need. These blow up displays can be set up and are fully functional in just minutes. Inflatable displays such as demo tables or ottomans take less than 2 minutes to set up!

Portable and Lightweight

Inflatables deflate just as quickly as you inflate them so are easy to pack away ready for your next event. They are extremely light weight – a gazebo tent weighs as little as 9kg and can easily be carried by one person. All products in our inflatable range come with a carry bag and portable pump, making it easy to pack down and store.

Customisable

When you want to go for something eye-catching and appealing, a customised inflatable is what you need. Blow up marquees, furniture, inflatable tables and pedestals – these can all be branded with your logo or marketing message. Just tell us what your specific display needs are and we can make it a reality!

Stunning Graphics

Depending on which type of inflatable you choose, there are different fabric options available. For example, our inflatable furniture covering comes with two fabric options: dye sublimated for stunning graphics or there’s PU leather with white silk print or embroidery for a premium finish.

Strong Impact

Inflatables are ideal for events, POS, sampling and exhibitions, not only because they’re convenient and easy to use but because they are impactful and impressive! The perfect solution for standing out from the crowd or when you want to etch your brand in your customers’ mind! While still new in the marketplace, inflatable display materials create a talking point and differentiate your business from the other display materials around.

Looking for ideas?

If you want to know more about how inflatables could work at your next event then please send us a message here. We’re happy to share more insights on various display solutions and provide quotes so you can better plan your next event.

The events and exhibition industry is a rapidly growing and competitive market. Every year we see new technology being developed and new display solutions being created, all designed to appeal to attendees.

We’ve taken a look at the exhibition and events industry and highlighted four global trends that we think you should look out for:

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) has definitely enhanced the experience perspective – and will continue to do so in the upcoming year.

According to the 2018 Global Meetings and Events Forecast published by American Express Meetings and Events, the use of VR will continue to create a level of advancement in the way attendees interact at exhibitions and events. The incorporation of this immersive technology may come as no surprise, but still draws major excitement and will continue to change the way attendees interact at events. In Australia we are seeing more and more articles published on VR, so it is clear that it is THE tech talking-point of the moment.

In 2018, hybrid events are predicted to make an impact on the end-to-end delivery of event communication.

Furthermore, the “live” in-person event with a “virtual” component has become extremely valuable in deriving greater reach and participation, valuable data collection, and cost effectiveness at events. The big tech companies do it very well, but now the technology is available to other companies, combining several communication channels into one event.

Engaging the Apps

Mobile apps may have emerged years ago but their usage at meetings and events continues to evolve.

Along with other technology innovations, mobile app usage is extremely effective in transforming the way event owners and attendees communicate, inform and engage with each other. In 2018 mobile apps will go from a nice-to-have to a must-have. They have proven themselves in improving attendee engagement, sharing agenda details and facilitating networking among attendees.

Wellness

Enhancing attendee experience is not limited to having fun activities on your exhibition display. A 2018 Global Meetings and Events Report also forecast Wellness as an emerging trend to watch out for throughout 2018.

An increasing number of companies are now looking to appeal to attendee well being throughout meetings and events. This trend is predicted to be seen more in hotels around food and beverage offerings. Meeting and event owners also take this emerging trend as an opportunity to differentiate themselves and focus on healthy lifestyle and work with purpose.

Wherever you are in your planning for events in the upcoming year, these global trends indicate how much advances in technology impact the whole industry. It’s always important to create a meaningful engagement with your attendees, to stand out on the show floor and get noticed.

Events offer a great opportunity to promote products or brands to a large crowd. There’s a tremendous amount of effort that goes along with organising an exhibition or event but, with its temporary nature, some may ask the question: what happens after the event is completed?

This is where photography comes into the picture. Photographs narrate your events in the form of images and help spread the word about your event even after it is done – in contrast to what could simply be two to three days of onsite marketing.

Example of a pop up display in a shopping mall

We live in a visual world where society loves to digest information using images whether it be through social media, websites, magazines or brochures. This makes photography all the more essential not only to remember your events but to effectively market it.

How to seize the moment at your event through photography:

Think about what you want to communicate

Set out your expectations early on and decide what kind of photographs you want to achieve at your event. Do you want to capture a professional vibe? Or perhaps images of your exhibition stand with bustling people or guests in conversations? Do you need different shots of your display stand with varying angles? Or pictures of guests trying out your products? For visual fanatics like ourselves, this is an important part that cannot be overlooked as this helps communicate your brand image – just the way you want it to be – in your marketing communications.

Coordinate with the photographer ahead of time

Don’t underestimate the power of a clear brief! Be sure to prepare this for your photographer ahead of time so they know exactly what you want to achieve with the photography. Let the photographer know the activity running order for your event. Make sure he/she has all the necessary details to capture every important moment, like ribbon cutting or a special presentation. Include the details of who is involved, and when and where each activity will happen. Onsite, things can change right up to the wire so be sure to inform the photographer of any last minute changes!

Consider the image format

Brief your photographer with information on the kind of image formats you wish to have – layout wise. Make clear instructions on whether you need more portrait photos rather than landscape photos or if you’d like a good mix of both. Portrait images work best on magazines whilst landscapes are perfect for online. How about the file format? Do you need a jpeg or tiff?

Check the lighting

This may seem like the last thing to check on your list but it’s important to inspect the lighting at your event. Indoor venues can be challenging for photographers especially if the event isn’t well-lit. The best thing to do is to inform the photographer ahead of time so he/she can bring the right camera tools or equipment necessary to capture every moment. Or if possible, have the photographer view the location in advance.

Create Buzz through Social Media

Bring your exhibit to a larger audience! Posting photos about your event on social media is a priceless form of publicity and can even go a long way to encouraging brand followers to keep tabs on your next event!

Most photographers can supply photos on the day of the event but be sure to communicate this in advance.

Post-Event Analysis

Post event analysis is essential to study and improve your events! Create a post-event learnings checklist for your event and have a think on what went wrong, what could be improved, and what could be adopted for upcoming events. Did you get the images you need? Write notes about your learnings to ensure you get better results for the next event!

Our team here at Displays 2 Go can offer advice on how you could get the most out of your events. Contact us today to find out more about what we can do to create an impact for your business.

The ICC Sydney has been open to the public for nearly a year now and it has already seen great success. This leading exhibition, convention and entertainment venue is delivering some very positive business outcomes and is fast becoming one of the world’s most desirable event destinations.

Source: Google – ICC – Boat Show

The 50th anniversary of the Sydney International Boat Show was recently hosted over five days and took over the facilities offered by the ICC. It fully activated all 32,600sqm of exhibition space, along with the 5,000sqm event deck and Cockle Bay wharf, which housed 900 boats.

Most successful event yet!

More than 63,000 visitors attended the show and it is believed that the show facilitated $250m worth of business on site, which equates to an amazing $3m of business transacted each hour the event was open! And a further $200m in trade is expected to take place after the event. Howard Glenn, CEO of the Boating Industry of Australia, said it was the most successful show since the GFC, and with those stats you can see why!

The ICC has hosted more than 400 events in its first year and there are plenty more in the pipeline. The success of the ICC is attracting business travelers to the area and this means benefits for many businesses, especially those in the hotel and travel industry. Local businesses are also reaping the rewards and we hope this will continue as the ICC attracts major events and exhibitions.

All your exhibition requirements

Displays 2 Go has its own production team working out of a production facility and warehouse in Sydney. Together, the team have many years of experience in producing display, exhibition and event solutions.

Whether you are looking for an exhibition stand for your next show or display products to make you stand out, we have the ability to design, manage, build, deliver and install your exhibition stand.

Keeping up with technology can be hard – whether it’s the latest phone, a new app or our new interactive screens. But one thing is for sure we all need to keep informed of what is happening to stay on top of our game!

Of course Displays 2 Go is well placed to see what’s happening at a local level, but what about trends in other countries?

ITR Events has spent the past two years collecting a sizeable amount of data. They visited more than 136 exhibitions, analysed more than 12,376 stands in the UK, and have come up with some interesting facts.

THE EXHIBITION EXPERIENCE

The exhibition industry is obsessed with finding ways to improve the visitor experience and to attract customers to their stand, but the question is are they doing this through technology or through other means?

Looking at the data collected it is clear to see that technology plays a large role in the way exhibition stands are presented, with 11.8% of stands having some form of interactive game or content and 1.8% of stands having some form of virtual reality (VR) to try.

More than 52% of exhibition stands had at least one screen on display and 51.34% of stands had some form of content displayed on a screen (video, games, PowerPoint).

Interestingly 3.8% of stands had LED or video walls. This form of display is something that is being introduced into the exhibition market and could transform the exhibition industry – so watch this space.

ITR Events provides an insight into exhibition tech

DATA COLLECTION AT AN EXHIBITION

The other very important thing at exhibitions is generating leads. Getting people to your stand and giving them an experience they will remember is one thing, but obtaining their contact details is often another. In the good old days throwing your business card into a fishbowl was one way to do this but with the use of iPads, laptops and apps, collecting data can now be done in a much more effective way.

Over 15.2% of stands now collect data digitally, and when the exhibitor had chosen to use technology there was an average of 2.71 iPads per stand! I think we all know that iPads are a great way to encourage visitors to your stand and to collect data. They can also act as information points if your staff are busy with another customer.

All in all we think we can safely say that exhibition technology is very much part of any exhibition stand. From incorporating an LED light wall, building a TV into a stand or creating a secure iPad counter, at Displays 2 Go we do understand how important technology is and, although it’s not taking over, it certainly plays a huge role when it comes to the WOW factor.

If you would like to see the power of our digital kiosks and arrange a demonstration, then please send us an email.

In our industry we know the importance of standing out from the crowd. But it’s all too easy to blend in when it comes to large exhibition halls like the ICC Sydney. So how do you stand out amongst hundreds of different exhibitors, and how do you cut through all the traffic?

We decided to take a look around the globe to see what types of exhibition stands really stand out, show you what can be done and let you take inspiration from these companies that turn heads with their stands.

Retro​ ​Exhibition​ ​Stand

Creating that WOW factor with different materials is one way to get attention. This corrugated iron container-style stand, with its bold colours and workshop lighting, creates interest and intrigue from the outset. It makes people want to stop and look inside.

Photocredit: google and Pinterest

Odlo​ ​Sportswear​ ​and​ ​Apparel

This stand has impact for two reasons. The modern structure certainly makes an impression, with its height elevation combined with the huge images, and the use of lighting really promotes the products.

The stand is cleverly designed to look like a retail shop window, creating an authentic air that people are drawn to.

Photo credit: google and Pinterest

The​ ​Honest​ ​Company

The Honest Company took a creative stance when it came to delivering their exhibition stand. Being a consumer goods company that emphasises household products for ethical consumers, it made perfect sense to create a store that was open and honest with no roof or doors. The colourful flowers along with the grass effect is a clever design that gives the stand presence and an affinity with potential consumers.

Photo credit: google and Pinterest

Serafini​ ​Shop​ ​Fitters

Serefini’s stand combined many different wall formations, creating its own world inside the stand.

The combination of round swinging windows made of copper, brass and wood offered insights and outlooks into their shop fitting systems, creating intrigue and drawing more people in.

Photo credit: google and Pinterest

MG​ ​Design​ ​-​ ​Mansion​ ​of​ ​Mystery

This stand is very unique with its open and simple lines. The contemporary view of the house automatically gets consumers attention and they are left wandering into the exhibit to see what it is all about.

Photo credit: google and Pinterest

From​ ​The​ ​Source

Not all stands need to be expensive but it helps if they can be creative or have a point of difference.

‘From the Source’ designed a stand around their values and beliefs, and built a stand that was created in a framework of wood – direct from the source!

The natural wood of the stand then complimented the products, and hey presto – they had a stand that was different and unique.

Photo credit: google and Pinterest

Ben​ ​&​ ​Jerry’s​ ​-​ ​Outdoor​ ​Shell​ ​Tent

This one is a bit left field but we wanted to include it as it is something that we are seeing in the exhibition industry more and more. The use of inflatables within exhibition stands is becoming more commonplace and once you have seen how effective it is then you will understand why.

Whether it’s a complete solution like this outdoor tent, or an inflatable counter or sofa, the ease of setup really is something to consider

Photo credit: google and Pinterest

Looking at all these stands we can see that one of the main differentiating factors is creativity and being able to think outside the box. Being different and producing a stand that is outside the traditional parameters can be worth its weight in gold in attracting consumers.

At Displays 2 Go we have an experienced team of designers and are well placed to produce not only a stand that will stand the test of time but will also draw in the crowds and deliver a good return on your investment.

The exhibition industry is changing, and so are the products we use. There’s no need to organise a truck to collect your stand and then have three people ready to erect it – today’s products are much more portable and lightweight. In addition, they can usually fit in the back of a car and most people can erect a stand in just a few hours.

So what has changed, and is it really for the better?

Materials

One of the biggest changes to the industry is the design of the products and the materials we use. Many of the exhibition stands we now design are formed with an aluminium frame covered by a fabric sleeve. This creates a stand that is not only impactful, with its vibrant graphics, but is also robust and easy to set up. Demonstration tables and counters fold down flat into bags and flooring is designed to be laid time and time again.

The risk of damaging part of the stand is drastically reduced, mainly because the fabric graphics do not chip or scratch like the old panels used to. In fact, at the end of the exhibition you can simply pop it in your washing machine and have it ready for your next trade show. And with one giant graphic – rather than individual panels lined up together – exhibition stands simply look better.

Changing out your messaging is also an easy fix and one that is not too costly. Simply get another fabric sleeve printed and, hey presto, you have a whole new look for your stand. You can even print a different message on each side!

We’re also seeing an increase in the use of inflatable structures.The inflatable range consists of gazebo tents, furniture, counters and tubes. It is constructed with a strong PVC and then covered in a printed polyester cover. The cover can be branded with your logo or marketing message. Being inflatable means it can be erected very quickly, is highly portable and super easy to assemble. Call us direct for more information on 1300 240 250

Technology

Stands are utilising more and more technology. Visitors want to be engaged and amazed, and new technology products mean that visitors are indeed engaged even when staff are busy. Something as simple as an iPad stand or an integrated TV can be an effective tool and will not cost the earth. Touchscreen digital displays are another popular product on stands today. Not only do they draw visitors in, but they also enable them the ultimate freedom of discovering your products and services themselves using on-screen navigation. For many businesses, investment in a touch screen kiosk is re-paid easily with less staff on-stand, plus the screen can be re-programmed with a mix of content for other uses.

Consumers

One of the biggest changes in the industry are the consumers themselves. No longer is it ok to just have a stand with a couple of staff members and a fish bowl to collect business cards. Consumers nowadays need to experience something, they need to be wowed if they are to remember your business. So it’s important to get all the elements right. Yes, it’s important to have a good looking stand, yes, it’s important to have technology, but what will really set you apart is being a little different.

Never been easier

Data capture and following up on leads from an exhibition or trade show has never been easier. No longer do you need reams of paper to collect names, phone numbers and email addresses as it’s all captured on a tablet and sent straight to your database, ready for you or your sales team to follow up on. Or is it??

Research has long suggested that the vast majority of leads generated by trade shows never receive any follow-up by company representatives. A recent study estimated that less than 70% of exhibitors have a plan in place to follow up leads after the show.

This is crazy!

With the likes of MailChimp, Asana and other database marketing tools that can be automated to contact leads after the show, this really should be a simple task and one that can be set up weeks before the show. But so often this part of the sales process gets forgotten in the ‘whole trade show plan’ and the leads that you do generate become worthless.

So here are a few ways you can make sure this does not happen to you:

Create a Trade Show Plan

A trade show plan does what it says on the tin. It is created for a specific show and covers everything from the layout of the exhibition stand, lighting, connectivity, devices, staffing and promotions. However, one of the most important things it should include is ROI and lead generation. Without a plan in place for what happens after the show these leads are in danger of being forgotten.

Create a Data Capture Page

A data capture page will create a new database where you can keep all your leads from the show. You could encourage visitors to leave their details by offering a reward, whether in the form of a competition or further information. If possible have a dropdown list on the data capture page that can categorise the leads into specific targeted groups. This way when you send them info after the show it will be relevant and targeted to their industry.

Have a Post-Show Plan

Have a plan in place for after the show covering how and when you are going to contact these leads and who is going to do it. Ensure your follow-up plan offers a range of options for further engagement, like a free download or a demo request (don’t limit this to one option, give them a few to capture everyone’s interest). And make sure that you remind prospects of any announcements or special offers that you made at the show. Basically, make your email count, make it drive some action.

Make it Someone’s Job

If after-show contact is not a job for you then find someone who can own it and run with it. Ensure that person understands the plan and then has all the tools to make it happen. Include conversion analysis in your plan so that you can understand how many leads converted into sales and their value – sometimes this kind of info helps you negotiate with event organisers the following year.

We love warm leads

Any lead created at a show or exhibition is considered a warm lead. These are people that have visited your stand, have given you their email address and have shown an interest in your product. Contact them and make the investment you made at the exhibition give you something in return.

Make every lead count.

If you need help with your next exhibition stand or want to design some collateral around data capture give us a call on 1300 240 250.

It took 3 years to build, over 15,000 tonnes of steel and enough concrete to fill 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

When the $1.5 billion ICC Sydney opened its doors to the public in December 2016, it boasted an impressive array of features including three tiered theatres, 70 meeting rooms, Australia’s largest ballroom, the country’s largest exhibition space, and the biggest kitchen in the southern hemisphere.

At full capacity it can host three conventions simultaneously and comfortably hold 30,000 people across the three venues.

The convention centre is expected to not only attract more events, concerts and conventions to Sydney, but also inject billions of dollars into the NSW economy. Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance states that “It will generate at least $5 billion in economic benefits for NSW over the next 25 years, and will employ up to 1800 people”.

With more than 400 events booked in at the time of opening, from rock concerts to international conferences, summits to sporting events, the future is looking bright for Sydney. The 2018 Sibos international banking conference, for example, is expected to attract 6000 people and generate $37.8 million for the NSW economy.

Many businesses around Sydney are already reaping the benefits from the centre. The redevelopment of Darling Harbour, which will encompass a new Sofitel hotel, retail and dining establishments and apartment complexes, is certainly putting Sydney back on the map and that can only be good for a wide range of businesses.